What is a GameJam?

A Game Jam is a short event where you and others work together to create a small game. Most Jams have some kind of restriction on theme or style to get you thinking about games in a new way. Game Jams are a great way to test ideas, build on your skills, and meet other awesome creative people. Do them. Future you will thank you for it. Pirate Software runs Game Jams two times a year and all of our jams have prizes!

Can I make a game?

Yes you can.

Theme

The Cost of Progress

Everything has a price. As people progress through your game they will need to pay something to keep going. Maybe they run a cult and their patron requires sacrifices. Maybe they've been Isekai'd into a Triple A game and only microtransactions will save them. Maybe they're an introvert at a party and need to pay social battery to make friends. Maybe it's something as simple as running a toll booth. The choice is yours so keep an open mind on this and don't let it stop you. After all, the difficulty here is your cost to progress.

Setup

• Join our official Discord!
• Form up into teams or decide on running solo.
• Come up with a team name and get ready to jam!

Rules

• This is not an exhaustive list. Don't be a dumbass. 👺
• You must follow the Itch.io TOS.
• No teams of more than 5 people.
• Your submission must include a Game Design Document.
• If you do need to leave let your team know in advance.
• Do not attempt to sabotage other teams.
• No AI-Generated Content of any kind.
• No Pornographic Content or Nudity.
• No Illicit Drug References.
• You can only use assets you have the commercial license for.
  Some asset packs only allow non-commercial use.
  Make sure you know the licensing limits for anything you use.
  The intention is for you to build your own stuff and learn from it.
  Don't overthink this and try to find a way around it, just make things.
  The game jam is a flex of personal skill not personal wallet. -Zafaroth

Submission

Game Design Document

• This is a planning document that details what your game will be.
• This is a required part of your submission and a best practice so don't forget it!
• You MUST submit your GDD as a Google Drive file not a downloadable PDF
• You can read a sample GDD here!

Prototype

• This is a very limited working copy of your game.
• Focus on playability over anything else.
• If it doesn't run, it won't win.
• Your Prototype MUST run as a browser upload here on itch.io.
• The reason this is required is for ease of judging and reduction in malware.
• Winners will be announced during the daily Dev Stream!

Voting Criteria

If you submitted a game you can vote on any of the other games in the Jam. You'll be able to vote on five major categories for each game. As games are subjective media these categories are guidelines for you to follow when exploring. Don't worry about tricking others into liking your game. Just focus on making the best game you can. Don't overthink it.

Playability

• Were systems in the game clunky or polished?
• Did the game run without crashes and hangs?
• This is the most important category and counts for a lot.

Theme Implementation

• Did the game follow the theme?
• Was the theme entirely ignored?
• Did they implement the theme in a clever and interesting way?

Game Design Document

• Did they create a well written Design Doc?
• Did the game end up drifting from their vision?
• Did they keep the document up to date as their ideas changed?

Artistic Style

• Everyone has a style that they like or enjoy.
• Style is not bound only to Triple A assets from major studios.
• Pixel Art, Midi Songs, Foley work and more all ooze with artistic style.
• Just make something YOU think works and run with it.

Community Choice

• Sometimes you just like a game and don't need a specific reason why.
• This category is for each of your favorite games to add extra weight to them.

Prizes

Socials